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News Release

HHS Provides $844 Million to States to Help Low-Income Households With Energy Costs

HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today announced the release of $844 million to states to help low-income citizens with their heating bills during October, November and December of this year. These funds represent grants to states, tribes and territories under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

"By releasing this money now, we are helping to provide needed assistance to millions of Americans who otherwise might not be able to afford heat this winter," Secretary Thompson said. "This program helps to offset seasonal energy costs for low-income families, leaving more of their income to use for other necessities."

LIHEAP helps eligible families pay the costs of heating and insulating their homes in the winter, and cooling their homes in the summer. More than 4 million low-income households receive assistance each year.

HHS is releasing such a large allocation of LIHEAP funds now in order to ensure that states have resources available to support their energy assistance programs as the weather turns colder. Special consideration has been given to the coldest states.

"Each year LIHEAP helps more than 4 million low-income households deal with energy costs," said Wade F. Horn, Ph.D., assistant secretary for children and families. "We will continue to work with states to assure that their heating assistance programs work effectively."

A list of first-quarter allocations under LIHEAP follows:

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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.

Last Revised: October 23, 2003